Potatoes South Africa (PSA) Bursary
Potato Industry Development Trust (PIDT) (administered by Potatoes South Africa)
The Potatoes South Africa (PSA) Bursary, funded by the Potato Industry Development Trust (PIDT), supports South African students pursuing agriculture-related studies relevant to the potato industry. It is open to undergraduate students from their second year of study and to postgraduate (BTech, Honours, Masters, PhD) students with a potato-related project. Places are very limited - only four bursaries were on offer for 2027 - and recipients commit to working in the potato industry after graduating.
- Amount
- Amount not publicly published. Covers full-time undergraduate or postgraduate agricultural study relevant to the potato industry, subject to a work-back obligation equal to the bursary duration.
- Deadline
- Closed 31 August 2026
- Renewable
- Yes
Eligible Fields of Study
Potato Industry Development Trust (PIDT) (administered by Potatoes South Africa) supports students in the following disciplines
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ South African citizen
- ✓ Completed Matric
- ✓ Undergraduates: from 2nd year of study in the funding year
- ✓ Postgraduates (BTech, Honours, Masters, PhD): a potato-related project
- ✓ Studying full-time toward an agriculture qualification relevant to the potato industry at a recognised, accredited South African tertiary institution
- ✓ Strong academic record
- ✓ Demonstrate financial need (proof of household income required)
What's Included
- ✓ Funding for full-time undergraduate or postgraduate agricultural study relevant to the potato industry
- ✓ Open to both undergraduate (2nd year and higher) and postgraduate (BTech/Honours/Masters/PhD) students
- ✓ Access to a career pathway and placement within potato-industry-related organisations
Work Commitment
Subject to a post-graduation work-back commitment: graduates must work for a potato-industry-related organisation, company or institution for a period equal to the duration of their bursary award.
How to Apply
Steps to complete your Potato Industry Development Trust (PIDT) (administered by Potatoes South Africa) bursary application
- 1
Check the Potatoes SA website for the annual bursary call (the 2027 call was posted on 3 August 2026)
- 2
Complete the online application form via Microsoft Forms at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/HAu6WMi8Qw
- 3
Upload all required supporting documents to the PSA SharePoint link provided
- 4
Submit your application before the closing date - 31 August 2026 for the 2027 academic year
- 5
Wait for shortlisting - only shortlisted candidates are contacted; if you have not heard by 31 December 2026, consider your application unsuccessful
Required Documents
- 📄 Certified copy of your ID
- 📄 Certified copy of your Matric certificate
- 📄 Certified copies of qualification certificates
- 📄 Academic transcripts/reports on the institution's letterhead
- 📄 Admission/registration letter from your tertiary institution
- 📄 Proof of household income
- 📄 Postgraduate applicants: progress report and supervisor recommendation
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can apply for the Potatoes South Africa (PSA) Bursary?
- South African citizens studying full-time toward an agriculture qualification relevant to the potato industry - agronomy, plant/crop production, soil science, agricultural economics or other potato-relevant studies. Undergraduates must be in their second year of study or higher, while postgraduates (BTech, Honours, Masters, PhD) need a potato-related project.
- When is the application deadline?
- Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 3 August 2026 and closed on 31 August 2026. The previous round closed on 31 October 2025, so the window moves from year to year. As of 12 October 2026 the 2028 round had not been announced; watch potatoes.co.za for the next call.
- How do I apply?
- Apply online via the Microsoft Forms link on the Potatoes SA bursary page (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/HAu6WMi8Qw) while the call is open, and upload your supporting documents to the PSA SharePoint link provided. Only shortlisted candidates are contacted.
- How many bursaries are awarded?
- Very few. Potatoes SA said only four bursaries would be awarded for the 2027 academic year.
- Is there a work-back obligation?
- Yes. Graduates must work for a potato-industry-related organisation, company or institution for a period equal to the duration of their bursary award.
2027 applications have closed
The 2027 application window closed on 31 August 2026.
Potatoes SA opened applications for the 2027 academic year on 3 August 2026 and closed them on 31 August 2026 (the previous round closed on 31 October 2025, so dates vary from year to year). The 2028 round had not been announced as of 12 October 2026.
Still need funding for 2027? See bursaries that are still open.
Check Potato Industry Development Trust (PIDT) (administered by Potatoes South Africa)'s official siteNeed help? Contact Potato Industry Development Trust (PIDT) (administered by Potatoes South Africa):
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 012 349 1906
Information verified 2026-10-12. Always confirm details on the funder's official website before applying.
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